ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) was a major participant in
this year’s Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge 2013 which was held on March 23-27, 2013.
The AFP units on the ground have
directly participated in the planning and execution in five sites within the command’s
jurisdictional area,namely, Miatan, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte; Tigbanuang,
Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay; Tulungatung, Zamboanga City; Poblacion, Sapad,
Lanao del Norte; and Pamucalin, Lantawan, Basilan.
The Bayani Challenge is an annual
national event organized by the Gawad Kalinga aimed at showcasing the
Filipinos’ Bayanihan spirit and love for Country through volunteerism and
cooperation. This project commenced in 2006 in Ginsaugon, St. Bernard, Southern
Leyte in response to a huge landslide there at that time and this continued on
to symbolize that the Filipino People need is united to help others, an innate
Filipino trait that shares a helping hand.
In a press release, Col. Rodrigo T
Gregorio, WESMINCOM Public Information Officer said the event was considered
high priority, as no less than the WESMINCOM commander, Lt.Gen. Rey C Ardo, who
personally and closely supervised and monitored the activity to ensure its
success and sustainability.
The major activities included the
building and repair of houses, refurbishing of classrooms, tree-planting and
coastal cleanup, health missions, and fun activities for children.
Gregorio said the event had
showcased the participation of several stakeholders such as the LGUs of the
concerned areas, line government agencies, non-government organizations and
civil society organizations, benefactors of the project and youth volunteers.
The military’s 104th “Sultan” Brigade in Basilan
together with the army’s Special Forces spearheaded the continued work during
weekends to complete the 30 houses for the poor beneficiaries in the area.
A number of volunteers from various sectors and
organizations in Basilan visited the Pamucalin GK village in Lantawan and helped
in the construction. (PIA9)